Our People
Hugh Clarke Managing Director
In 2000, Hugh established Aust Leisure Group having spent 17 years in the hotel trade. Hugh has extensive experience spanning over 140 hotels and Licensed Clubs throughout Australia. Over the last decade, Hugh has established a reputation and relationships with Australias leading financial institutions and accounting firms as a professional hospitality consultant. Hugh has joint ventures and developed a number of award-winning hotels.
Ben Maguire Director
Ben Maguire is a specialist in growing businesses and managing people and assets through periods of challenge and change. Ben graduated with an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management in 2003. It was there he experienced firsthand the benefits of good mentoring, and has a passion developing people and managing change. Ben has experience in rural and corporate Australia and provides strong leadership in our group.
Marina Maguire Director
Marina has diverse professional experience in Australia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Marinas roles have provided her with broad business exposure including general management, strategic planning, business development, sales, marketing, operations, compliance, risk management, auditing, IT, project management, company secretarial and leadership development. Marina spent 6 years at KPMG and over 10 years at the ASX managing large scale projects including the development and operation of their overseas business strategy. Marina holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Australian National University.
Sonya Cullen Events Manager
From starting out in the local corner shop in outback New South Wales to 2 IC at the Cattleman's Bar and Grill, Sonya has been working in the Hospitality industry for over 25 years. During this time Sonya gained extensive knowledge while planning and supervising various forms of events ranging from small quaint weddings and sport presentations to a Government Minister's launch. Sonya's passion and enthusiasm for working with people will ensure she thrives in the Hospitality and Events industry. Sonya recently obtained a Diploma in Events and a Cert IV in Hospitality.
Andrew Simpson Operations Manager
Andrew has worked as Group Operations Manager over the last 6 years. His previous roles include Sales Manager with Carlton and United Breweries and Hotel/Retail Manager at various inner city Hotels. Andrew completed his MBA at UTS Sydney in 2003. Through his various roles, Andrew brings a wealth of hospitality and management experience to the Group. He has a well-developed understanding of leadership and coaching principles, general management practices, and consumer behaviour and retail insights.
Jason Clarke Hotel Manager
Jason joined the Group as a licensee in 1998 and has assisted in managing and developing a number of city and country hotels. Jason has a methodical and hands on approach to managing the business, particularly, in relation to implementing and maintaining systems, controls, and managing general hotel operations. Jason is also involved in the cattle operations and wine country business operations.
Nick Clark Operations Manager
Nick has more than 19 years experience in the hospitality and hotel industry and has managed, owned and developed a number of award winning hotels. As Operations Manager for the Group, Nick oversees the business units in a hands on manner. He has a strong background in developing food operations and operating entertainment facilities.
Graham McIntyre Project Manager
Graham is a qualified builder with a range of experience throughout the building industry from housing through to major construction projects. Grahams role is to project manage property renovations for the Group and our clients. Graham has a solutions approach that ensures that our clients development projects are delivered on a no nonsense basis, on time and on budget.
Annette Barham Financial Controller
Annette is a certified practising accountant and has been providing hotel accounting services on behalf of the Group since 1998. She is an experienced hospitality accountant and a successful cattle breeder based in the south coast of NSW. Annette is the financial controller of Aust Leisure Group. She heads the team of qualified accountants based at our head office in Sydney.
Dianne Hardman Graphic Designer
Dianne graduated with a Bachelor of Design, at the College of Fine Arts, UNSW in 1995. She worked for 3 years as an exhibition designer at the National Gallery of Victoria and the Australian National Maritime Museum. While overseas, she then worked as an art director in the UK and then for 5 years in the Australian Film and Television Industry. Dianne now heads Brand Mountain, which is involved in the design of various brand creations and marketing collateral for the Group.
Paul Peterson Graphic Designer
Paul has worked as a chef in hotels, pubs and award winning fine dining restaurants in the UK, France and Australia for over 15 years. Paul started working in design in 2004 and in 2007 graduated with an Award for Excellence from the Diploma of Graphic Design at Kingscliff in Northern NSW. Since changing careers Paul has developed websites, identities, brochures, reports and worked on local and national newspapers. Paul is part of the Brand Mountain design team with a unique mix of hospitality, creative and media experience.